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"My only goal was just to be in the Top-10," said Grace, who was a recent district runner-up. "I was really nervous at the beginning, but I was still able to run the best I can."

Faith, who was third at districts, offered similar thoughts.

"I did better than what I expected," Faith said. "It means a ton to me that I was able to run together with the rest of my team. I want to try and get all-state again next year."

Other counters for the Indians were freshman Elle Ruffridge (33rd, 16:08.5), junior Rose Meyer (61st, 16:46.8) and sophomore Kara Neumann (76th, 17:17.8). Rose checked in 67th in her state debut last fall.

"We came into the season unranked, but we had a great year," said Pocahontas Area head coach Mitch Hackbarth. "It was a lot of fun watching the sisters battle it out and get in the Top-10. With everyone coming back next year, the future's bright for PAC cross country."

Eagle Grove

Making her fourth state appearance, No. 4 senior Tiffany Christensen finished sixth in 1A for the Eagles in a time of 15:15.2. Griswold's top-ranked junior Rebekah Topham (13:56.3) easily captured her third straight title.

Christensen, a three-time defending North Central Conference champion and district gold medalist, was previously third here as a junior, seventh as a sophomore and 60th as a freshman.

"I was a little disappointed, but you still have to be happy to get in the Top-10," said Christensen, who recorded victories in all seven meets this season before yesterday. "My legs just didn't want to go (Saturday) and were already tired before the one-mile mark. I was getting a sideache, too."

This past spring at state track, Christensen was a 2A state champion in the 1500 and a runner-up in the 3000.

Sam Larson, ranked seventh, anchored the No. 7 Wildcats by placing 11th (15:18.6) in 3A. Larson, a senior, was previously seventh here as a junior and ninth as a sophomore. At the state track meet this past May, Larson was sixth in the 3A 3000 and fifth in the 1500.

"My only goal was just to be in the Top-10," said Grace, who was a recent district runner-up. "I was really nervous at the beginning, but I was still able to run the best I can."

Faith, who was third at districts, offered similar thoughts.

"I did better than what I expected," Faith said. "It means a ton to me that I was able to run together with the rest of my team. I want to try and get all-state again next year."

Other counters for the Indians were freshman Elle Ruffridge (33rd, 16:08.5), junior Rose Meyer (61st, 16:46.8) and sophomore Kara Neumann (76th, 17:17.8). Rose checked in 67th in her state debut last fall.

"We came into the season unranked, but we had a great year," said Pocahontas Area head coach Mitch Hackbarth. "It was a lot of fun watching the sisters battle it out and get in the Top-10. With everyone coming back next year, the future's bright for PAC cross country."

Eagle Grove

Making her fourth state appearance, No. 4 senior Tiffany Christensen finished sixth in 1A for the Eagles in a time of 15:15.2. Griswold's top-ranked junior Rebekah Topham (13:56.3) easily captured her third straight title.

Christensen, a three-time defending North Central Conference champion and district gold medalist, was previously third here as a junior, seventh as a sophomore and 60th as a freshman.

"I was a little disappointed, but you still have to be happy to get in the Top-10," said Christensen, who recorded victories in all seven meets this season before yesterday. "My legs just didn't want to go (Saturday) and were already tired before the one-mile mark. I was getting a sideache, too."

This past spring at state track, Christensen was a 2A state champion in the 1500 and a runner-up in the 3000.

Sam Larson, ranked seventh, anchored the No. 7 Wildcats by placing 11th (15:18.6) in 3A. Larson, a senior, was previously seventh here as a junior and ninth as a sophomore. At the state track meet this past May, Larson was sixth in the 3A 3000 and fifth in the 1500.